The Voice (Francistown)
Moses Maruping
15 April 2008
Francistown — In what may become Botswana tourism's best selling tool, Miss Teen Africa was recently launched despite many teething problems at the event.
The anticipated beauty pageant, which features about 29 local young girls aged between the ages of 14 and 18, was unveiled at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (G.I.C.C) on Monday and despite the invited guests having to wait for several hours before the event could start, everything started falling into place and many hearts were appeased by the news that the pageant, which is a first in the world and in Botswana, could promote Botswana as a country of innovativeness and forward thinking.
The Public Relations Consultant, Lola Young, who is tasked with promoting the image of the imminent beauty pageant, said the inaugural event is the first of its kind not only in Botswana, but also in the continent of Africa thus making Botswana the initiator.
She noted that the competing young girls have been selected from several villages and cities in the country, including Mochudi, Molepolole, Francistown, Jwaneng, Serowe and Gaborone, among others.
Young said they are currently scouting for more girls across the country and that after that they will start short-listing so that the final event has 25 girls competing for the prestigious title.
"We shall be hosting our semi-finals in Jwaneng on April 25, then Gaborone on April 26 and head to Serowe on May 2. We will then descend at the city of Francistown on May 3."
She noted that although the date and venue of the pageant have not yet been finalized, they were considering two places among them G.I.C.C and Fairgrounds Hall.
"This is one of a kind event in that we're not only looking at complete beauty but one with brains as well. Mind you whoever gets crowned will enjoy several perks, such as the international spotlight."
Young added that they were also in talks with several Miss Botswana committee members in that all of the pageant's finalists automatically get selected to try their luck on Miss Botswana and Miss Universe titles.
The anticipated pageant's partners include Bank Gaborone Relations Support Manager, Miti Mhlangayebe, Reynolds and Young Botswana Principal Partner, Lawrence Hutchings, Investor, Colin Campbel, Molepolole South Specially-Elected Counselor, Botshelo Kgatitswa and the Executive Director of the Botswana National Youth Centre, Pauline Jonas.
The pageant's Board Chairman, Miti Mhlangayebe, called on everyone to support the pageant noting that it's not only the first of its kind but will also position the country on the world map.
"Let's work together to enhance the pageant as we could all stand to benefit if all goes well. I'm confident that the wheels of the project have already been set in motion and it is through your support that we could make these young beautiful girls' dream a reality."
Efforts by the pageant organizers to sell paintings of the famous artist, Lorenzo Tabret, through auction so as to raise funds for the pageant failed dismally as those invited could not afford the highly-priced pieces of art.
With some of the paintings' prices starting at P60 000 per piece, the invited guests showed less or no interest in spending that much on the exclusive art pieces.
Tabret, an immaculate artist of repute's work can be found in 150 countries worldwide, among them are pieces found in the Vatican, the Whitehouse and Queen Elizabeth's Palace among others.
The renowned artist, it is said, does not sell his paintings as he believes that his gift of art comes from God and that he must then give off his talent freely, which he does by donating paintings to non-profit making organizations in order for them to raise money for their charities.
"This is a gift from God, and one cannot therefore purchase a painting from me. However, opportunities such as Miss Teen Africa provide investors and businessmen the possibility of owning one of my pieces."
Despite his offer that he does not sell his pieces, the many gathered guests who tried their luck at buying his pieces through a shadily organized auction were disappointed as the show's organizers held back on their word that the art piece could be bought for any other amount of money.
It later turned out that those who had bid for the art pieces had failed to contribute what the organizers had anticipated to pocket thus prompting them to cancel the auction and sending many home with upset faces.
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